Excited children became bookworms for the day during a special workshop.

Ronda and David Armitage, the author and illustrator of The Lighthouse Keeper’s Lunch, visited the nursery and infant department of St Nicholas’ School in Church Crookham.

Their most famous collaboration, which features the lighthouse keeper Mr Grinling, was inspired after a visit to the Beachy Head lighthouse near Eastbourne.

The couple spent time with each year group discussing their stories and explaining the sources of their inspiration. Ronda read one of her books, Flora, to the nursery children, while David illustrated Mr Grinling’s 60th birthday party.

Reception children were read a story about a pirate, while David completed a wonderful illustration of Mr Grinling dressed as a pirate. Then Ronda described her life as an author to Year 1 pupils and answered their questions.

In the afternoon, Year 2 pupils enjoyed a workshop called Making a Big Picture where the Armitages and the pupils generated ideas for a Lighthouse Keeper story.

The children also worked together to produce a Big Picture to celebrate Mr Grinling’s 60th birthday.

There was a book-signing session at lunchtime, and the afternoon concluded with The Lighthouse Keeper’s Picnic, where Ronda and David joined the children for a picnic in the hall.

Jenny King, head of the infant department at St Nicholas’, said: “The children and staff had an informative and enjoyable day.”